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 | Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update
Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by addressing issues important to business.
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Volume 5, Issue 2 Friday, September 1, 2006 This Week's Sponsors
Click here to see the visitors' bureau calendar of local events Chamber Calendar Monday, September 4: Office closed for Labor Day Wednesday, September 6: Membership Luncheon sponsored by Horizon Chillicothe Telephone; speaker Bob Eichenberg, Athens County Planner and part owner of Eclipse Company Town, 11:30 a.m., Chillicothe Country Club. Membership Luncheon reservation Thursday, September 14: Sam's Club ribbon cutting, 1270 N. Bridge St., 9:30 a.m. Thursday, September 14: Young Professionals Network, guest speaker Councilman Eric Rinehart on issues facing City Council; 5:30-7 p.m., Chillicothe Country Club, $5, YPN reservations Saturday, September 16: J.N.O.D. Apparel ribbon cutting, 59 E. Main St., noon. Tuesday, September 19: A Reception with the Candidates, 7-8:30 p.m., Ross County Service Center. Wednesday, September 20: Business After Business at Best Western Adena Inn, co-sponsored by Sam's Club, 5-7 p.m., BAB registration Thursday, September 28: Annual Chamber Golf Outing, Crown Hill Golf Course near Williamsport, Golf outing reservations Wednesday, November 15: Chamber Annual Expo sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Elks Hall on West Second Street, details coming soon; this also serves as the Business After Business.
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Spec building will serve as a magnet and starter The tentative approval of a state loan and grant to the Ross County Community Improvement Corporation to construct a speculative building is a big step forward in the process. Final approval on the $1 million funding (half loan, half grant) is yet to come from the state Controlling Board, but it could mean construction could start yet this fall and be finished in the spring. The 30,000 square foot building will be marketed to companies seeking new space and take care of a big economic development parameter: “the need for speed” in getting a project running as quickly as possible. Proceeds from the sale or lease of this building hopefully will be used to build another one, then another one. Unlike the spec building of more than a decade ago, there will be no stipulation that it must yield manufacturing jobs which proved a big deterrent and kept the building on the market too long for many people. This new structure is expected to go just south of the FedEx transfer station (not the new FedEx Ground building now under construction) in the Gateway Industrial Park off Ohio 104 north.
YSK FIRST TO USE STATE’S NEW PROGRAM: The supplier of parts to Honda and other auto plants will get an interest-free loan of $2.5 million for two years from the state (10 years total) to help buy equipment as part of its expansion in the Great Seal Industrial Park of up to 40,000 square feet. More than 25 jobs are expected to be added to the current 227 there now. The loan is in addition to tax credits to help train the new employees. PIKETON VYING FOR ANOTHER NUCLEAR PLANT: The Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative is one of 41 applicants across the country for a $5 million grant to study the area as a potential site for a new plant to recycle spent fuel rods from nuclear power reactors. The idea would be to convert the former gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment plant for this new purpose. The U.S. Department of Energy is expected to choose four winners of the grants in October, then make a decision in about two years for the one plant which some estimate could employ up to 5,000 and cost $20 billion. SODI is working with former USEC board member Dan Moore on the project. RECREATION TOPIC FOR WEDNESDAY’S MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON: The bike trails in Athens and Hocking counties apparently are as attractive as the ones in Ross and surrounding counties and could be prime for development of tourism-related enterprises. Bob Eichenberg will be on hand Wednesday at the Membership Luncheon to discuss what he is doing in Athens County with his development, Eclipse Company Town. To learn more about that development, check out this website: http://www.littlecitiesofblackdiamonds.org/Towns/Eclipse/eclipse.htm. Bill McKell of Horizon Chillicothe Telephone, sponsor of the meeting, also will provide an update on new offerings and programs. Make sure to reserve your spot: Membership Luncheon reservation NEW SAFETY SEASON NEARS: Membership is up by 16 to 109 for the Ross County Safety Council which kicks off the new program year with a picnic Thursday, September 14 in Yoctangee Park. A new feature for this year is a coupon book that will speed the registration process at future luncheons. The books have seven coupons worth $10 each. If you or your company would like one or several of the books, call Rosie Daughters at the chamber at 702-2722 or email her at rdaughters@chillicotheohio.com. There is no charge for the picnic at the Lions Shelter in Yoctangee Park which again will feature fire extinguisher certification by Chillicothe Fire and Security and emergency equipment from Glatfelter. And if you haven’t signed up to become a member and become eligible for the 4 percent premium discount on workers’ compensation, time is running out. September 30 is the deadline. Again, get in contact with Rosie. PLAN ON HIRING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?: Don’t forget about Job Bank where there is a special web page devoted to seasonal positions available. Workforce Development Manager Cari Porter reports more than 100 new jobs were posted to Job Bank in August and that more than 16,000 visited the site that is now easier to navigate and loads quicker than in the past. Cari and the Jobs One-Stop also can help pre-screen resumes for your posted positions. You can reach her at the chamber at 702-2722 or cporter@chillicotheohio.com.
DON’T FORGET YOUR BUSINESS CARDS: Lots of networking is planned for the next meeting of the chamber’s Young Professionals Network on Thursday, September 14 at the Chillicothe Country Club. The 5:30-7 event also will feature Councilman Eric Rinehart on city government, appetizers and a cash bar, all for just $5. And if you want to get your business name out there, door prizes also are being sought. Sign up now: YPN reservations NEW WEBSITE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: Junior Achievement teamed with the Small Business Administration to develop new resources for young business people. These include a student activities guide, a volunteer guide and assessment tool. Check it out at www.mindyourownbiz.org. OPEN HOUSE PLANNED FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY: The Lighthouse Youth Center at Paint Creek plans a special open house on Tuesday, September 26 at its facility on Tong Hollow Road just outside Bainbridge. The event runs 1-6 p.m. and will include tours. STRATEGIES SEMINAR PLANNED: Matthew Edler, a local Edward Jones investment representative, is hosting a “Small Business Planning Strategies” broadcast course at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 13 at his office at 20 Executive Center Drive, off Western Avenue. The course also is approved for three hours of continuing education credits for attorneys, CPAs and tax professionals. He also is hosting a “How to Raise a Money-Smart Child” seminar at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. For more information or to reserve a spot, call his office at 772-2197. BUDGETING FOR THOSE RAISES (AND PLANNING YOUR TAKE-HOME): A recent survey by a national human resources firm showed employers plan to grant pay raises averaging 3.5 percent this year and 3.7 percent next year. It also showed more than 90 percent of employees were expected to receive raises this year. VENDORS LICENSES: Here’s who received licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:
ACCURATE IN NEW QUARTERS: The ribbon was cut last Friday on the new headquarters for Accurate Heating and Cooling on River Road off U.S. 23 near the new Ohio 207 connector interchange. Tom and JoAnn White moved from North Bridge Street to the former Art Tech facilities about a month ago after some extensive renovations. | |
For previous editions, click here Copyright 2006 Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
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Did you know your chamber membership entitles you to: Get your message directly in front of the 600 other member businesses through email/fax blasts, sponsorships at chamber events, advertising in this newsletter and the chamber website or by using the mailing labels supplied to you. Call the chamber office at 702-2722 to learn more. | |
DEMOLITION
REVEALS ADVERTISING: The demolition of the fire-ravaged buildings on
East Second Street unearthed an old gem. Advertising prevalent at the turn
of the century and before dotted the sides of buildings in downtown
Chillicothe. The Office City Express structure, which sustained minor
damage, now is an end unit and sports what's left of some advertising from
days gone by. Above Bloch Bros it says, "Notions, Toys & Fancy Gowns."
NEAT
PRIZES AWAIT GOLFERS: